Talking with Older Drivers about Safe Driving

Talking with Older Drivers about Safe Driving

Getting older does not necessarily mean a person's driving days are over. But it is important to plan ahead and take steps to ensure the safety of your loved ones on the road. NHTSA offers free materials to help you learn more about how to recognize and discuss changes in your older loved one's driving.

If you think you need to have a conversation with an older driver about his or her driving abilities, remember that many older drivers look at driving as a form of independence. Bringing up the subject of their driving abilities can make some drivers defensive. So, be prepared with your observations and questions, and - if necessary - provide possible transportation alternatives.

Answering the following questions may help you decide if you need to initiate a conversation with an older driver about driving safely:

Getting lost on routes that should be familiar?

Noticing new dents or scratches to the vehicle?

Receiving a ticket for a driving violation?

Experiencing a near miss or crash recently?

Being advised to limit/stop driving due to a health reason?

Overwhelmed by road signs and markings while driving?

Taking any medication that might affect driving safely?

Speeding or driving too slowly for no reason?

Suffering of any illnesses that may affect driving skills?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might need to talk with an older driver about safe driving. Here's some useful materials: